girar a la izquierda
/xiɾaɾ a la iθkjeɾda/from spelling rules
The English phrase "turn left" is translated into Spanish as girar a la izquierda.
The phrase is used to indicate a change in direction toward the left side.
What does it mean word for word?
The component a la izquierda literally translates to "to the left".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Latin American countries, it is common to use da vuelta a la izquierda to mean turn left. The form Dobla a la izquierda is used in Spain and some Latin American countries. In many Latin American countries, doblar a la izquierda is a very common way to say turn left instead of using girar.
How does it change in a sentence?
When giving a direct command to someone you know informally, you use the imperative form gira a la izquierda. For a polite or formal tone, use the imperative form gire a la izquierda.
How do you pronounce it?
/xiɾaɾ a la iθkjeɾda/
Did you know?
- The word izquierda is not of Romance origin like most Spanish words, but was borrowed from the Basque word ezkerra.
- The word izquierda displaced an older Latin-based word, siniestra, which entered English as 'sinister'.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, the 'left' is historically associated with bad luck or the 'wrong' hand.
Examples in context
- Si recuerdo correctamente, deberíamos girar a la izquierda en la esquina que viene.If I remember rightly, we should turn left at the next corner.This sentence is useful for practicing the phrase girar a la izquierda in the context of a suggestion.Tatoeba #8637428 by NFWord, translation #4308864 by monahxo
- No olvides girar a la izquierda cerca de la farmacia y verás una gran iglesia a la derecha.Don't forget to turn left near the drugstore and you will see a big church on the right.This sentence is useful for practicing the phrase girar a la izquierda when giving directions near landmarks.Tatoeba #1279887 by marcelostockle, translation #1169625 by cruzedu73
- Gire a la izquierda en la Calle PrincipalTurn left on Main Street
- Da vuelta a la izquierda después del semáforoTurn left after the traffic light
- Debes girar a la izquierda en el siguiente semáforo.You must turn left at the next traffic light.
Example conversation
Sofía is giving Alejandro directions to a restaurant.
- SofíaSigue recto y luego debes girar a la izquierda.Go straight and then you must turn left.
- Alejandro¿Tengo que girar a la izquierda en el semáforo?Do I have to turn left at the traffic light?
- SofíaSí, justo ahí está el restaurante.Yes, the restaurant is right there.
- AlejandroPerfecto, gracias por la ayuda, Sofía.Perfect, thanks for the help, Sofía.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries a, girar, izquierda, la, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
